Hambantota protest: JO councillors summoned by police

Provincial Council members Upali Kodikara, Sampath Atukorala and Major Ajith Prasanna have been summoned by police for questioning over the protest in Hambantota.

They have been asked to appear at the Hambantota Police Station tomorrow to give statements with regard to the protest held on Friday (6).

Twenty-eight persons were arrested and remanded following the tense situation during the Joint Opposition-organised protest opposite the Indian Consulate in Hambantota.

Police said that suspects were arrested for unruly behavior and damaging public property.

Police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the individuals engaged in the protest, against the agreement to handover operations of the Hambantota port and Mattala airport to two foreign companies. 

The protest was organized by the Joint Opposition with the participation of several of its MPs including Namal Rajapaksa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Sanath Nishantha.

The protest was scheduled to be held near the Mattala Airport, however the venue was changed to Indian consulate in Hambanota after police had obtained a court order preventing any protests being held near the airport.